MLB proposes shortening regular season to 154 games in 2029, expanding Division Series to best-of-7

Major League Baseball has proposed major changes to its postseason and calendar. Starting in 2029, MLB wants to cut the regular season from 162 games to 154 and expand the Division Series to a best-of-seven format. Owners also propose adding nine additional off days, potentially extending the postseason to as long as 42 days to give top starting pitchers more opportunities. MLB would let higher-seeded teams pick opponents in the first two rounds beginning next year, and most regular-season Mondays would become off days by 2029, except for up to two nationally broadcast games. The labor contract expires Dec. 1, and the union plans to review the plan at bargaining.